OFFICIAL GLOBAL LAUNCH TODAY SUNDAY 22ND NOVEMBER 2015

AT 1500HRS (GMT)

What Are We Raising Money For?

The aim of our project is to raise £50,000 for the design and installation of a fitting permanent memorial to John Bonham in Redditch, the birthplace of the legendary drummer from Led Zeppelin.

The preferred location for the memorial is on the Church Green, behind St Stephen's church, next to the Bandstand, on land owned by Redditch Borough Council.

Why Are We Doing This?

John Bonham died on the 25th September 1980, at the age of just 32 years.

Over the years, many people (and not just Redditch folk) have asked why there isn't some form of permanent tribute to John Bonham in the town where he was born, grew up, went to school and, for a time, worked. Yet, for whatever reason, no such tribute has been forthcoming.

So, in 2013, two local musicians and Led Zeppelin fans, Clem and Sam Dallaway, decided it was time to act. Along with another local Led Zep fan, Ros Sidaway, and accountant Alistair Hayward-Wright, they formed the John Bonham Memorial Fund.

The campaign was officially launched in Redditch on Friday 31st May 2013, on what would have been John's 65th Birthday.

Where Are We Now?

We've been making steady progress, raising funds mainly within the Redditch area and have so far raised £5000 of the £50,000 that we need. In addition, we have collected several hundred signatures supporting the project from local residents and Led Zeppelin fans from around the wider area.

From the outset, we were determined to do this properly and with total transparency. We are doing this for John's memory and not for personal gain. Above all, we wanted to secure the trust and support of John's family.

So we were delighted when, in 2014, Linda Bonham, wife of John's late brother, Mick, joined the campaign group. We're also pleased to have the support of John's sister, singer songwriter, Deborah Bonham (right).

The project group, which is now led by local record shop owner, Ros Sidaway, Treasurer, also has support from Redditch Music Festival organiser, Steve Barnes, Redditch Town Centre Partnership, and Redditch Local History Society, as well as a small team of active volunteers who help with fundraising activities and events.

We are now looking to make a final push to raise the £45,000 needed to complete the statue with the help of Led Zeppelin fans worldwide.

Why Are We Crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is important to us as it gives an opportunity for Led Zeppelin fans to be involved in the development of John's memorial from the early stages.

We want this statue to be by the fans and for the fans, and so we are asking for the worldwide Led Zeppelin fanbase to join together and help fund it.